Millie Ball knows about life in the saddle. Born in the United Kingdom she learned to ride at age two. Her love of horses has taken her around the world (New Zealand, France, Hong Kong and U.S.).

She's a former point to point (steeplechase) jockey who switched to flat racing for two seasons in Chantilly, France where she rode predominately for trainer John Hammond. For last nine years she has been an exercise rider for Ian Jory, Bob Baffert and Richard Mandella in California.

From her hands-on experience she knows what it takes to win races, and as a member of the Screen Actors' Guild and a commercial actor for nearly a decade, she also knows how to get her unique and informed opinions across with style.

Ball Up Close

Q. What is your most memorable moment in racing?
A. Becoming the first and only female to win the Marlborough Cup in England aboard a mare called Diamond Wind. She had the stamina of an ox and could jump like a stag. That win also was my first training success.

Q. When are you most happy at the track?
A. When I have just worked a horse in :59 flat, breezing, with my feet in the dashboard. Knowing that the work was the perfect final prep for a champion is a real rush.

Q. Who is your favorite trainer of all time?
A. Tim Yakteen (Assistant to trainer Bob Baffert). You may not have heard of him, but I love him so much that I married him!